Myokinesthetic (MYK) massage is a specialized manual therapy technique that focuses on correcting imbalances in the body’s nervous system to alleviate pain and restore proper function. Developed by Dr. Michael Uriarte, this approach views posture as the outward expression of the nervous system, suggesting that postural distortions are the root cause of many musculoskeletal complaints. Unlike general relaxation or deep tissue work, MYK is a targeted, hands-on method designed to “reset” the nervous system’s communication with the muscles. This article will explain the unique principles of the Myokinesthetic approach, detail the neurological mechanisms involved, describe what a patient experiences during a session, and list the conditions it is often used to address.
Understanding the Myokinesthetic Approach
The Myokinesthetic (MYK) approach is built on the premise that chronic pain and dysfunction are often the result of an unbalanced nervous system, which manifests as asymmetrical posture. This system is distinct from traditional massage because it does not simply treat the site where pain is felt. Instead, MYK practitioners use a comprehensive postural assessment to identify which specific nerve root level is compromised, as this nerve root is considered the source of the body’s compensations.
The philosophy holds that a problem in one area, such as a compressed nerve root in the spine, causes a cascade of muscular imbalances along an entire nerve pathway. These distant muscles compensate for the original nerve irritation, leading to pain and dysfunction far from the actual source. By identifying and treating the entire chain of muscles supplied by the affected nerve, the technique aims to correct the underlying postural distortion.
The Role of Nerve Pathways in Treatment
The core mechanism of MYK treatment lies in stimulating the nervous system along specific nerve root pathways that branch from the spinal cord. Each nerve root, such as C5 or L4, supplies a defined set of muscles, which together form a functional pathway. When a nerve root is irritated—perhaps due to a disc issue or chronic postural strain—the muscles it innervates can become imbalanced, leading to pain and restricted movement.
The treatment aims to “reset” this dysfunctional neurological signal by stimulating all the muscles along the affected pathway. This is achieved through a combination of manual pressure or touch and simultaneous active or passive movement of the muscle. This tactile stimulation combined with movement activates mechanoreceptors, sensory receptors in the muscles and joints.
This process increases afferent, or incoming, stimulation along the specific nerve root pathway, which sends a strong signal back to the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS then generates a corrective efferent, or outgoing, signal, effectively normalizing the neural input and output to the muscles. By treating the entire nerve pathway, the technique seeks to restore balance to the nervous system, allowing the muscles to function correctly.
What to Expect During a MYK Session
A Myokinesthetic session begins with a detailed assessment, where the practitioner performs a postural analysis and muscle tests to determine the most affected nerve pathway. The therapist observes the patient’s standing posture for asymmetries, such as one hip being higher than the other, to pinpoint the nerve root level with the most imbalances.
The treatment phase involves working on the specific muscles associated with the identified nerve root pathway. The patient remains clothed, and the session typically does not use oils or lotions. The practitioner applies gentle pressure or stimulation to the target muscles while the patient performs specific movements, making it feel like a “moving massage”.
Treatment is always performed bilaterally, meaning both sides of the body are treated, even if the pain is only on one side. This is because the central nervous system functions bilaterally, and treating both sides helps facilitate the transfer of information and balance across the body. The entire hands-on treatment is often brief, generally lasting between 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the nerve root being addressed. Following the manual therapy, the practitioner may provide guidance on specific stretches or exercises to help reinforce the neurological changes and maintain the improved posture.
Conditions Addressed by Myokinesthetic Massage
Myokinesthetic massage is frequently used to address a variety of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions that stem from nerve root irritation and subsequent postural distortion. Conditions like sciatica are often targeted because the technique can address the nerve root compression in the lower back that is causing the distant symptoms.
Headaches and migraines are also commonly addressed, as they can be linked to nerve imbalances in the cervical spine (neck) that affect the muscles of the head and shoulders. For issues like carpal tunnel syndrome, the MYK approach focuses on the nerve roots in the neck (C5-C8) that supply the arm and wrist, treating the source of the nerve irritation rather than just the localized wrist compression.
Other conditions that often see improvement include frozen shoulder, tennis and golfer’s elbow, and chronic low back pain. By rebalancing the entire muscular chain connected to the affected nerve pathway, MYK seeks to restore proper muscle function and provide lasting relief from recurring pain patterns.